On May 29, California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order extending the State’s eviction moratorium through July 28.

Fullerton’s eviction moratorium would have expired on May 31, but under the Governor’s order it is automatically extended.

The eviction moratorium prohibits a landlord from initiating proceedings or otherwise taking steps to evict a tenant for nonpayment of rent from any residential dwelling (including single family and multi-family homes, mobile homes or other structures lawfully used as a residential dwelling) if the tenant demonstrates that the inability to pay rent is due to COVID-19. The moratorium also applies to commercial tenants, such as a business or commercial enterprise renting or leasing a structure used for business purposes.

That moratorium requires residential and commercial tenants to, within 30 days after the rent is due: (1) notify the landlord “in writing” of the substantial COVID-19-Related Financial Impacts and (2) provide documentation “in writing” establishing such substantial COVID-19-Related Financial Impacts.

The moratorium does not waive or removed a tenant’s obligation to pay back rent owed. A tenant will have up to six months after the expiration of the moratorium to pay its landlord unpaid rent.

No late fees, costs or other penalties may be assessed or due from the tenant based on the delay in paying rent.

Adding to the protections afforded tenants, the California Judicial Council enacted several emergency Rules of Court related to their proceedings on April 6. A rule prohibiting courts from processing nearly all unlawful detainers is in effect until 90 days after the Governor lifts the State of Emergency.

To read more about Fullerton’s eviction moratorium, visit the city’s web site HERE.